"Possibly the quickest way to ruin your day is waking up to find that your beloved pet left you a not-so-fun surprise on your living room rug. Not to be dramatic, but this is when panic mode sets in. A million thoughts are probably running through your head, “I knew I shouldn’t have bought that organic dog food. Where the hell is that cleaning spray? Am I seriously crying right now? There has to be an easier way to do this.” We’re sorry to break it to you mid-breakdown, but there actually is a better way to clean up pet accidents—and any other type of mess on your carpet or upholstery.
If you’ve been on any corner of the internet, you’ve probably heard the endless buzz about Bissell’s Little Green Machine. It’s a small, portable cleaning machine specifically made to clean up messes on carpet, upholstery, and other soft surfaces. Though your pet may be looking at you so innocently as you ferociously spray their blowout and pray it doesn’t stain, the truth is, this will probably happen again. With the Little Green Machine, cleaning up accidents becomes a breeze and honestly quite satisfying. Everygirl editors Garri and Ashley have been devout Little Green Machine users for some time now, and they’ve got a lot to say about this powerful cleaning machine. And since it’s currently on sale for Prime Day, there’s no better time to buy.
Here are our honest thoughts on the super-popular carpet and upholstery cleaner, including whether it’s really worth your money.
Pets: Two dogs, Olive and Otis
Uses the Little Green Machine on: Everything! Carpets, couches—my husband has used it to clean out our car and it works so well.
Where does it go when not in use? Our cleaning supply closet.
Pets: Three cats (I don’t know how I ended up here either): Gizmo, Gus, and Ruby
Uses the Little Green Machine on: Carpet and couches
Where does it go when not in use? Under the sink. It’s pretty bulky, but I’d get rid of other items before this—it has SECURED its spot.
What does the Little Green Machine do?
Sale price: $81 After sale: $123
This powerful little machine suctions up messes and cleans stains on any kind of upholstery. That includes (but isn’t limited to) carpeting, area rugs, upholstered furniture, and car interiors. It has a tank that holds your cleaning solution and an attached hose with a brush that you use to spray and scrub. To get started, you fill the tank with a cleaning solution and hot water, attach it back to the machine, turn it on, and voilà, it’s time to get to work. To clean, you use the trigger on the handle of the brush to spray the solution, scrub it with the brush, and then use the vacuum head attachment to suction the cleaning solution and any residue back into the machine. It’s almost like the stain was never even there.
What is the best part about the Little Green Machine?
Both Garri and Ashley say that the Little Green Machine’s best feature is its ease and function when tackling a stain. “The vacuum feature is everything to me because I don’t have to risk touching any poo or vomit,” Ashley said. Plus, you don’t have to worry about keeping multiple products or tools on hand for different surfaces. “It’s really a one-and-done solution for spills,” Garri said.
Believe it or not, both say it’s so satisfying to clean up spills with this machine that they almost look forward to using it. “It turned something that used to make me cry into something I can tackle with a bit of zest,” Ashley said. “It’s satisfying and kind of fun to use!”
When not in use, it can fit comfortably under the sink or in a closet, which is ideal for keeping it nearby in case anything goes awry. Both Ashley and Garri use their Little Green Machine a couple of times a month, so the cost-per-use has already paid for itself tenfold.
What solution goes in the Little Green Machine?
Bissell sells their own cleaning solution for this machine, which they recommend using so you don’t damage it. Garri specifically uses their Spot & Stain with Febreze Freshness because it not only removes stains but eliminates odors as well.
Can it be used on rugs and couches?
The Little Green Machine can be used on anything that is upholstered. From rugs to couches to chairs, hell, even a dog bed or your mattress can benefit from a once-over with this bad boy every so often.
Who should buy the Little Green Machine?
To put it simply, anyone with a pet. Pet accidents are bound to happen, especially if you’re going through a transition with a new pet. Garri purchased hers after her dog, Otis, started having frequent accidents in the house, causing her to scrub away at her carpet, rugs, and couch one too many times, as did Ashley when she went through the same thing with her cat, Gus. While you may get through the potty-training stage with ease (and hopefully not too many accidents), having this machine on hand is great for any messes that slip through the cracks.
If you’re inclined to spill or have kids, it’s also a handy little tool to have on hand so you don’t have to stress about potentially ruining every upholstered surface in your house.
Sale price: $81 After sale: $123
Bella Gil, Associate Commerce Editor
Because shopping is quite literally her full-time job, Bella is dedicated to making sure you spend your hard-earned money on products you’ll fall in love with. She spends her days testing, researching, and writing about a wide range of topics, from beauty products to rug cleaners and everything in between.